Bo Horvat Re-Signs with the Vancouver Canucks

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 01: Bo Horvat #53 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates his goal to tie the score 1-1 against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Honda Center on April 1, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Vancouver Canucks re-sign impending restricted free agent centre Bo Horvatto a six-year contract with an average annual salary of $5.5 million. Bob McKenzie of was the first to break the news on twitter, with Pierre LeBrun releasing the terms of the contract.

Bo Horvat Re-signs with the Vancouver Canucks

In his third season in the NHL, the former home grown London Knight became a focal point of a stuttering Canucks offense. He became the first player not named Sedin or Naslund to lead the team in points since the 1998-1999 season.

The highly touted 9th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft started his career slow, scoring just three goals in his first 32 games. In 199 games since then he has forced his way into the spotlight, culminating in his performance last season that saw him put up 20 goals and 32 assists for 52 points in 81 games. After starting his career as a fourth liner Horvat has slowly moved his way through the lineup, ending last season on the second line along with the likes of Brock Boeser, Sven Baertschiand Reid Boucher. Horvat has increased his point production each season in the NHL, amassing a total of 49 goals and 68 assists across his three seasons.

The 6’0”, 223lbs centre was a physical force up the middle for the Canucks last season. His 50.5 face-off percentage was second on the team for regular starters, only trailing Brandon Sutter. His defensive game is also a plus for his team with Horvat being a go to defensive presence in Vancouver last season. Out of the Canucks forwards, Horvat trailed only Sven Baertschi in takeaways last season and just Brandon Sutter in blocked shots. His big frame allowed him to impose his will in the defensive end.

If Horvat can continue his positive trend through his first three years he could become a dominating force up the middle for years to come.

Main Photo:

ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 01: Bo Horvat #53 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates his goal to tie the score 1-1 against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Honda Center on April 1, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)